golfknut wrote:We will be towing our car......Has anyone ever had any damage done to their toad from snow/ice coming off their rig while towing?

That changes the picture, doesn't it. Depends on how thick the ice gets from freeze thaw, and sizes of chunks as it breaks up. Five to ten pound chunk inch or mor thick is going to do some damage, scratches and dents at least, if not enough speed differential to break a windshield. Towed vehicle, ice is going to hit it, rather than the pavement.

Scrolled through the posts so sorry if I missed this suggestion. Get a tarp (or two spliced together) and cover the roof if the forecast calls for snow. Be sure to have several ropes tied to the eyelets. Before you leave, pull off the snow and ice laden tarp.

ScottnSherrie wrote:Scrolled through the posts so sorry if I missed this suggestion. Get a tarp (or two spliced together) and cover the roof if the forecast calls for snow. Be sure to have several ropes tied to the eyelets. Before you leave, pull off the snow and ice laden tarp.

I would not do this, no offense meant. This would be very likely to cause damage ...

I drive our motor home to and from skiing areas all winter and in most circumstances, there is not a problem. Semi drivers do not seem to climb up to get rid of the snow. Just part of driving in the winter... IMHO
IMHO

golfknut wrote:We are taking our first snowbird trip this winter with a planned departure date of late December.

I was wondering how much roof melt-off of ice and snow there would be if I turned on the furnace and let the inside temperature get up into the 60's or so? Would there be any melting of roof snow at that temp?

We don't tow but sometimes use our unit for 4 or 5 days with snow cover. The snow does melt somewhat but does not disappear in that time frame. Exterior temperature would have a bearing.

I would be concerned heating the unit could create more ice if the temperature is below freezing when you do leave.

Some of that "snow" can melt and build up some pretty thick heavy pieces of ice. I took my MH to a local truck stop that has a wash rack to clear the snow & ice. I'm sure in your area there is a truck wash that would do it. Better safe then sorry. Blowing snow isn't bad, but thick ice can penetrate a windshield at 55mph plus. You'll find that most States can and will ticket for this type of hazard. The fine may not be much, but how would you feel about causing a serious accident where someone could lose their life.

I had a similar problem a couple of years ago - I left the slides out and it snowed. I ran the furnace and the snow melted a bit then turned to ice over the next night (insulation was too good!). I ended up running a hose from a hot water connection and using the hot water nozzle to melt the snow/ice, waited for some of the water to run off, then closed the slides before the water froze again.

It should work on a roof as well. Maybe you could try a pressure washer with hot water (and a "gentle" nozzle), might work quicker. For those of you in the north, don't forget to winterize the pressure washer after (don't ask me how I know!).

My experiences. Had a 3/4 ton truck with 8' pop up camper (now have a travel trailer). I live in Wyoming (and for three years in Fairbanks, AK).

In Wyoming usually the wind blows and where I parked/stored the camper the snow didn't stay long after a storm so not really an issue (excess weight etc.). But when on the truck and a Spring storm dropped heavy wet snow that didn't want to melt fast or blow off, it was a problem. Weight (very heavy snow) caused noticeable high-center of gravity. I didn't like that, or the concern of leaking from puddling under the snow. Carefully used a push broom from a step ladder alongside the camper. Helped some, but it was really stuck on (hydrostatic adhesion). But getting some off helped the weight issue. No damage that time.

Next in Fairbanks. The snow doesn't melt all winter. Maybe three feet high by spring. By spring I'm concerned about weight. Used broom and plastic snow shovel, gently! My roof was obstruction free except one vent cover. I knew about the cover, and exactly where it was. I clipped it both times (each spring) and had to replace it both times.